YORK went down 3-2 to Halifax Queens in their last Yorkshire Squash League match of the season at Clifton Park and then announced that they would be dropping out of the premier division next season.

York were without professional Paul Spencer, due to work commitments, and this proved decisive, though there were good wins for team captain Jamie Hopwood and newcomer Haden Priest.

Hopwood said: "Our decision is solely to do with lack of sponsorship.

"Minster Windows have been very good to us for the past four years, but we were let down this season at the last moment by another sponsor, Living Well.

"We had talks with them and felt we had come to an arrangement, but then I understand there was a management change and the deal fell through.

"The club have helped out but you certainly need sponsors to be in a position to compete at this level. Matches haven't been as well supported by members as we anticipated."

Ian Tooms, head of IT Sports, whose company have supported Wigginton in their first season in the league, said: "I am sorry to hear of York's decision. We had two good local derby matches with them this season, each team winning one.

"We have been happy with our first season in the premier division, sponsorship being helped by the brewery and the Wigginton club in addition to my company.

"We have finished in the top four so have been pleased with our efforts over the season."

Wigginton finished off the squash season in style this week beating Pontefract II 5-0.

Tooms had a close game with Richard Biggs at number five just edging the tie his way 15-13 in the fifth.

Club captain Matt Lowery made light work of his opponent Peter Lonsdale defeating him comfortably 3-1 at number four.

Professional Matt Oxley was in saw off his opponent 3-0 at number three. Oxley has not dropped a single game in all of his eight appearances.

Fellow professional Duncan Walsh beat Stuart Hargrave 3-0 at number two.

At number one, ex-England international Paul Hargrave defeated Alan Norrish 3-0 to complete an excellent night.

The win ensured Wigginton could finish no lower than third in the division, with results from the Heaton-Abbeydale match still pending.

Either way it has been a miraculous season for 'little' Wigginton competing with some of the country's elite players in what the players describe as being one of the toughest leagues in the country.

Wigginton also have the final of the Yorkshire Cup to play on May 1.

They have exceeded many people's expectation and frightened many of the big clubs. Team captain and club champion Lowery has done an excellent job and is largely responsible for the club, which has received excellent sponosrship backing, playing Premier League squash this season.

Updated: 11:21 Saturday, April 13, 2002